Nonny said:
You don't need Windows firewall or any other software-based firewall.
Your router has a hardware firewall.
Very bad advice.
If one uses a router with NAT, it's still a very good idea to use a
software firewall that can monitor out-going traffic. Despite the
common confusion in terms, NAT-capable routers are *NOT* firewalls, and
do nothing to protect the user from him/herself (or any "curious,"
over-confident teenagers in the home). Again -- and I cannot emphasize
this enough -- almost all spyware and many Trojans and worms are
downloaded and installed deliberately (albeit unknowingly) by the user.
So a software firewall, such as Vista's native firewall, Comodo,
Sygate or ZoneAlarm, that can detect and warn the user of unauthorized
out-going traffic is an important element of protecting one's privacy
and security, by alerting you to an unwanted malware application's
activity. It obviously does nothing additional to prevent a malware
infestation, but it will certainly help identify many different
infestations. (Remember: Most antivirus applications do not even scan
for or protect you from adware/spyware, because, after all, you've
installed them yourself, so you must want them there, right?)
When I ran WinXP, I used both a router with NAT and Sygate Personal
Firewall, even though I generally know better than to install scumware.
Now that I'm using Vista, I still use a software firewall (Vista's)
in addition to my router. When it comes to computer security and
protecting my privacy, I prefer the old "belt and suspenders" approach.
In the professional IT community, this is also known as a "layered
defense." Basically, it comes down to never, ever "putting all of your
eggs in one basket."
Having said that, it's important to remember that firewalls and
anti-virus applications, which should always be used and should always
be running, while important components of "safe hex," cannot, and should
not be expected to, protect the computer user from him/herself.
Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and every computer user to learn
how to secure his/her own computer.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
